The fourth annual Maddie's Pet Adoption Days is sure to be one for the record books. On June 1 and 2, 2013, more than 200 shelters and rescue groups from eight communities across the nation will participate in the adoption event, which will place thousands of pets into their forever-homes. Maddie's Pet Adoption Days is America's biggest free pet adoption event.

Maddie's Fund decided to expand this year's event to include adoption sites across the U.S. because of the continued success of Maddie's Pet Adoption Days at a local level. Every year, the number of adoptions has increased with a total of 6,722 dogs and cats adopted during the event's three-year history.

The goal of Maddie's Pet Adoption Days is to give all healthy, senior and treatable shelter dogs and cats a second chance. As in past years, adoptions of dogs and cats will be free to qualified adopters. In return, Maddie's Fund has set aside $4M so that it can give each shelter or rescue group $500 - $2,000 per adoption.

The event raises awareness of shelter animals and their need for loving homes and focuses on the tireless efforts of the shelters and rescue organizations across the country that work so hard to save the lives of countless dogs and cats every day. The adoption event honors the memory of the foundation's namesake, a Miniature Schnauzer named Maddie.

Maddie's Fund will pay organizations $500 per regular adoption, $1,000 for each adoption involving a dog or cat that is seven years of age or older OR has been treated for one or more medical conditions and $2,000 for each adoption involving a dog or cat that is seven years of age or older AND has been treated for one or more medical conditions.

Hayward:The Hayward Animal Shelter is participating in this event to place all of their dogs, cats and rabbits in qualified homes. Free adoptions will be offered throughout the weekend at the Shelter on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. All dogs and cats will receive their first vaccination, spay or neuter and microchip. Dogs will also receive their rabies vaccination. The $17 dog license fee applies to dogs adopted by Hayward residents. Dogs and cats adopted will also receive a free "Congratulations on your adoption" gift. In 2012, 48 previously homeless Hayward Animal Shelter pets found their new homes during this event.

Fremont Animal Services is participating in a gigantic weekend adoption event to place all of their dogs and cats in qualified homes. Dog and cat adoptions will be free to approved homes; licensing fees will be collected from residents of Fremont, Newark, Union City and San Leandro. The event takes place on Saturday, June 1 at the Fremont Animal Services, 1950 Stevenson Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.